7th Saying It is my duty to look after the welfare of the devotees who surrender and take refuge in me

[Guest guest]

Depending upon the intensity of devotion and impatience of the

devotee for God's darshan, God will grant him Darshan. If our faith and devotion are strong and sincere,

God will fulfill our desires. The same God invites us and makes all

arrangements for our welcome. Kakaji was soon

welcomed by Baba.

 

One day a guest came to Kakaji's

house and offered to take him to Shirdi. He was Baba's closest devotee, Shyama. Let us see how Shyama was

brought to the house of Vaidya. When Shyama was unwell during the childhood, his mother offered

to send him to the temple of Saptasringi, if he was

alright. He became alright. Later on there was a skin disease on her chest. She

suffered a lot. Then she promised to offer a silver breast to the Goddess, if

she was rid of the skin problem.

 

But unfortunately, she could not fulfill the promises and then she

passed away. Years rolled by. Those days, a great astrologer went to Shirdi and

stayed there for one month. He predicted the future of many people like Booty.

His predictions were quite satisfactory. Shyama's

brother Bapaji consulted him about the suffering of

their family. He wanted to know the cause of their difficulties. The great

astrologer described the unfulfilled promises of Shyama's

mother to the Goddess and also said that the Goddess was angry with Shyama. Bapaji quickly reported

the matter to Shyama. Then Shyama

remembered the past and decided not to delay the duty anymore. Immediately, he

went to a goldsmith and got the offerings made to fulfill the vows.

 

He went to the mosque, fell at the feet of Baba and requested him

to make the offerings acceptable to the Goddess, Saptasringi.

Baba told him to go to Vani and make the offerings

personally. Receiving Baba's blessings, Shyama went

to Vani. Somehow, he was able to find out the

residence of the temple priest and explained to him the purpose of his visit.

It was then that kakaji told about his desire to see

Baba at Shirdi. It was a strange and welcome in coincidence.

 

Kakaji asked Shyama about Shirdi and Baba. They were happy to meet each

other. They exchanged courtesies, embraced each other, became very close to

each other. They forgot everything in mutual love. They reveled in telling

about the greatness of Baba of Shirdi and Saptasringi

at Vani. Both are great and divine. After fulfilling

the vows at the temple, both of them proceeded to Shirdi. There Kakaji went to the mosque, saw Baba and fell at his feet.

His eyes were full of tears. His mind was lulled to silence and he became

peaceful as foretold by the Goddess Saptasringi. He

was able to see Baba and get rid of his sufferings. He was able to get Baba's

grace. Kakaji thought, “What a wonder! What a

divine energy! Baba never spoke a word. He was just silent. By his very looks,

I am able to get peace. All my problems are instantly solved by his grace. I am

able to feel bliss in my heart. I think this is the bliss of Sai Darshan.” Kakaji meditated

on Baba's feet. He could not speak a word! His happiness was boundless.

 

He offered himself to Baba in total self-surrender. He forgot all

his sorrows and sufferings. He enjoyed pure bliss. He stayed there for 12 days

and after receiving the blessings of Baba, he returned to his place. It was

Baba who provided an opportunity to Kakaji for

self-surrender and self-realization.

 

(to be contd….)

(Source Eleven Holy Sayings of

Shirdi Sai Baba by Pujya Shri

Ananda Sai Swamy)